A driver had a miraculous escape when he leapt out of his car on a motorway at 70mph, a court heard.

Astonished witnesses saw Daniel Irwin bale out of his Fiat Punto and go “cartwheeling” along the carriageway.

The 23-year-old father, from The Broadway, Minster, was left covered in blood and with his clothes in tatters – but suffered no broken bones.

Irwin later claimed he could remember nothing of the terrifying incident but his lawyer said it was “a genuine attempt to commit suicide”.

A judge described his actions as “completely and utterly self-centred and anti-social”.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he was upset after visiting his ex-girlfriend and child in Northfleet, on June 19 last year.

Martin Yale, prosecuting, said another driver, Simon Masters, was about three car lengths behind Irwin on the M2 near Gillingham.

“The driver of the Punto got out while it was travelling at 70mph,” he said. “It is not clear whether he opened the door or got out of the window. The car carried on and crashed into the central reservation before going across three lanes of the carriageway and coming back to rest on the central reservation. The defendant cartwheeled along the carriageway from side to side.

“Mr Masters applied his brakes and was able to avoid the defendant, who was still tumbling along in the outside lane.”

A couple stopped their car and went over to Irwin. He was moaning and in pain. His shoes were 15 metres away. The car was on fire.

Irwin, who stayed at his mother’s Iwade home after the incident, told the couple: “I can’t even kill myself”.

“His clothing was ripped,” said Mr Yale. “He had blood coming from the back of his head. There were deep grazes to his legs, arms, feet and hands.”

The motorway was closed for three hours, causing severe disruption.

Irwin was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months after admitting dangerous driving.

Judge Martin Joy said the facts of the case were extremely unusual. He accepted Irwin intended to kill himself.

“The reality of such behaviour, however, is it could have been disastrous for other people,” he said. “You paid no regard to the consequences of your behaviour.

“It is an extremely serious offence. Quite apart from the huge inconvenience caused to others, it is quite plain other people were somewhat traumatised by what you did.

“I have no doubt such behaviour will be regarded by right-thinking people as completely and utterly self-centred and anti-social. I know you do not feel you need probation supervision. I am satisfied you do.”

Paul Greene, defending, said the suicide attempt was against a background of unemployment, debt, the breakdown of his relationship and being denied contact with his child.

“He wishes to make an apology to all those affected that day,” said Mr Greene. “He is more balanced now. He has done that without medical intervention.”